BOUNTIFUL -- Don't expect to be using the South Davis Rec Center in the next few weeks. That's because the facility's planned opening date has been pushed back to early to mid February -- the third delay in three months.

Originally, the center was scheduled to be open before Christmas, but last October, officials pushed the opening date to mid-January, citing an unusually wet spring and other construction delays.

High school swim teams that had planned to practice at the new facility were forced to find other area pools in which to practice. Now it appears they will have to wait a little longer. The Rec Center has experienced further delays due to slow drying concrete and won't be open until February.

"The moisture in the floor is still high," said John Miller, Executive Director of the Rec Center, "The moisture in the cement needs to be below 3 percent, and it's currently above that level."

If moisture exceeds 3 percent, the floor's lifespan will be shortened, possibly lasting only a few years.

"We will be meeting with the fire marshal and building inspector this Friday," Miller said. "We'll know more about our progress and the moisture then." Despite the delays, a special, early opening may occur for high school students and clubs who haven't been able to use the ice rink or swimming pool.

"We hope to open the ice rink early, around Jan. 8 (Monday), for the high school hockey teams and figure skating clubs," Miller said, "But only the ice rink -- not even the lobby -- will be open."

"We are also trying to open the aquatic center early for high school student swim teams and clubs, hopefully around late January," Miller continued, "This will depend on the construction of certain fixtures."

The health department must first approve the pool and ensure that restrooms are functioning before swim teams will be allowed to practice.

As for the public, don't expect to begin using the facility for another month. Passes, however, may be purchased in the basement of Bountiful City Hall.

"We hope to be open for the public in the first or second week of February," said Miller, "We don't want to rush through construction. We want to do a good job and make sure that everything is ready for the public before we open."

For more information, visit www.southdavisrecreationcenter.com or call 298-6220.

sryther@davisclipper.com